How mountain biking together developed their skills and became their thing
Father of two Rik, encouraged both his kids to ride but it was his son, Tom, who really got the bug. Here he tells how – with the right bikes and great places to ride – they grew their skills and bagged some amazing adventures together.
“My son, Tom, is now 14 and really took to mountain biking during lockdown. Back then I was riding an old 90’s Muddy Fox and my son had a little Cube bike.
The turning point came when I bought a Trek Marlin 29er for my daughter. Although she wasn’t that interested in it, it was a total game changer for Tom. His feet could only just touch the floor on it, but when he rode it, it was a whole different story. He could suddenly ride properly, go faster and climb the hills better. It was fantastic to witness and since then he’s not looked back.
Looking to up my own game, I bought a Trek X-Caliber hard-tail and that changed things for me too. We started venturing further than our local woods, to Cannock, to the Peak District, Bike Park Wales, the Long Mynde and loads of other places. Tom’s strength and skills improved really quickly with the 29er wheels.
As his confidence grew, Tom set his sights on a full suspension bike, so eventually he got a Trek Remedy and to match him I got a Trek Roscoe with bigger travel front fork, so we can now hit some of the tougher trails.
We are both getting a bit of air now and it’s time for a full-face helmet and some protection for Tom now as he keeps going. I’m happy to keep my wheels on the ground mostly!
After watching something on YouTube, Tom asked if we could do a bike packing trip together. With a little research we decided the South Downs Way was for us. One hundred miles of chalky coastal hills sounded glorious.
I booked two nights’ accommodation so we could do it in three days. We both had decent saddle bags and I had a bar bag to carry the rest of our stuff.
The weather was pretty good mostly and the days were filled with epic adventure and memories. Our second day was a monster, after setting off in the rain and cycling for about three hours we stopped for lunch.
I checked the map hoping to be about half way there and we were only about a quarter! I privately processed this fact as we headed off up another monster hill. I was thinking – Tom has never done more than thirty miles never mind fifty plus with luggage and going up and down constantly!
As we cycled the forests were beautiful and sun came out, we saw the sea for the first time and sat looking at it in the distance as we snacked another energy bar.
The bars soon ran out and there were no shops during this section. I was easily thinking we might have to find accommodation closer by, then we saw a cyclist going the opposite way. They told us there’s a youth hostel on top of the next hill: the biggest hill of the day.
We were both flagging and starving when we got to that youth hostel and ordered a couple of toasties and guzzled down sugary drinks and snacks – it was marvellous.
The last five or so miles after that are some of my favourite miles ever. The sun was starting to go down, we flew along a fairly flat bit for the South Downs Way and across a gorgeous golf course, we took a detour down what looked like a more exciting route to our accommodation.
It was the most perfect natural trail meandering down a massive hill into the village where we were staying. The sun was pretty much down by the time we arrived, About ten hours in the saddle and it was just brilliant. [Check out the video below]
That day alone had so many amazing memories and moments for both of us. I know it will always be one of my favourite rides for sure. By the end of that day, we’d cycled over 55 miles together.
My cycling journey with my son has been so wonderful. The connection I have with him though through cycling runs so deep now, we have been on so many adventures together, there’s been a few spills here but that’s all part of it.
Being there for each other, pushing each other at times to try something new, the rocky descents, getting up that hill for the first time without stopping and knowing what it means to him. Deciding, where to go next, making plans – I just love it.
For any Dad thinking about getting their kids riding – just do it! – kids love it. I’d say just be patient especially if you’re a cyclist yourself as it’s a long game.
A trip round the reservoir is a good start, keep it flat as they’ll still be knackered and need to stop all the time, don’t be too pushy, keep it going. Try two laps next time.
Trust me, it’s worth it, as the memories I have and continue to create with Tom are pure gold.
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